Kitesurfing in Italy

Italy’s best kitesurfing is arguably taking place in Sardinia and Sicily. But if you’re going to mainland Italy for other business and happen to be by the coast in the summer months, do take your kites with you. There are great kite beaches scattered around the coast, in particular in Tuscany and Lecce, Puglia. You can also ride the fresh water lakes of Como and Garda up North. The wind in Italy is thermal in the spring and summer, and powered by storm systems in the winter.

Windy: Apr – Oct

The northern tip of Lake Como around Colico — the Alto Lario — is Lombardy's kitesurfing hub. The thermal Breva builds from the south almost every warm afternoon, funnelled between the mountains onto wide launch areas at Colico and Gera Lario, while mornings can bring the northerly Tivano. Flat water close to shore, alpine scenery, and easy access from Milan make it a favourite weekend spot with a well-developed school scene.

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Lake Garda is Europe's most reliable thermal-wind arena, framed by dramatic alpine cliffs at its northern end. The Peler blows strong from the north in the early morning and the Ora kicks in from the south every afternoon, giving two wind windows a day from spring to autumn. Torbole, Malcesine and Campione are the classic launch zones, with flat-to-choppy water, mandatory boat-assisted etiquette in places, and a huge sailing and mountain-sport culture on shore.

Windy: Apr – Oct

Sardinia is a great destination for kitesurfers of all levels craving flat water spots, consistent wind and warm weather. Wind can be found all year around but as with most spots around the Meds, the winter is less consistent in its wind delivery. You can visit great spots all over the island, including always windy Porto Pollo in the North, and butter flat Punta Trettu in the South. August can get very busy but other than that Sardinia has a very low-key vibe and a strong local culture well worth a visit even if you’re not there for the wind.

Windy: Apr – Oct

Sicily is the largest island in the Meds with a varied coast line. The main place to attract kiteboarders internationally is Lo Stagnone; a massive lagoon of shallow, flat water. This place is an amazing place to practise your first board start as well as the most advanced freestyle tricks.

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